What can you find in Swedish Lapland that you won't find anywhere else?
Picture a dream winter paradise and there’s a good chance it’s not far from the sparkling white landscapes and dancing illuminated skies of Swedish Lapland. The sprawling arctic territory covers a quarter of Sweden’s land area and the scenery in this part of the country is truly immense, from vast frozen lakes and snow-covered forests to mesmerising white mountains and icy rivers. Surrounded by this frozen wonderland, Swedish Lapland holidays are in a world of their own and offer as much to families and couples as they do for solo travellers and adventure-seekers. During your stay, visit Abisko National Park for one of the best chances in the world to hunt down the elusive, wondrous Northern Lights, which streak the sky with colour; glide across the powder on a husky sledding safari; spend time with Europe’s only indigenous group, the Sami people; fly past reindeer on a cross country skiing adventure; and sleep in places you’ve never dreamed of, from the original Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi to high up in a tree at the Treehotel near Lulea, or even in a Lavvu Tent deep in the Arctic wilderness.
Need to know about Swedish Lapland
Lapland is a region that stretches across four countries: Sweden, Finland, Norway and Russia. There are 21 municipalities in Lapland and it’s home to Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise; its most northern town, Kiruna; and deepest lake, Hornavan. While most tourists understandably come in winter for the glittering scenery, Swedish Lapland holidays taken in the spring and summer are all the more delightful for their lesser-visited status. And just like in the colder months, a visit to Lapland is synonymous with nature, with days spent fishing, kayaking, horse riding and hiking. The Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn’t set for months at a time, is also seen in Swedish Lapland between the end of May until July.
Special things to do in Swedish Lapland
Surrounded by the unblemished nature of Swedish Lapland, the activities on offer during a trip here are each as mind-blowing as the next. Whoosh through snow-dusted forests and frozen lakes pulled by Siberian huskies while you look out for the moose, fox and reindeer that roam the land. Spend mornings ice-fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through Narnia-esque scenery then retreat to your cosy hotel for hot chocolate by a roaring fire. Stay in a log cabin surrounded by nature and spend your evenings in the outdoor sauna stargazing to your heart’s content and keeping your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights. February, March and April are the best months to see this incredible natural phenomenon. Or get up close with Sami culture and spend time with a local family of reindeer herders (reindeer outnumber people in Swedish Lapland) and you’ll appreciate a different way of life.